The University of Ghana's PhD graduates have been encouraged to take their research past academic publications and apply their expertise to address practical issues in the community.
The call was placed by Ms. Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew—former Attorney General and Minister of Justice—during the July 2025 PhD graduation event held at the university's Legon campus in Accra on July 25, 2025.
"Allow your studies to go beyond academic publications and into the real world, where they can create a significant and beneficial impact," she stated.
A total of 1,944 students received their degrees during two days of graduation events. This number comprised 107 PhDs, 917 individuals with master's degrees, and 920 undergraduate students.
Ms. Brew urged the graduates to convert their discoveries into real-world applications and interact with decision-makers, business owners, financiers, and the public to present their knowledge in ways that serve the broader community.
She mentioned that the country and the continent require not only academics, but also creators and businesspeople who can turn knowledge into economic possibilities.
She told the graduates that they are now guardians of knowledge and encouraged them to apply their education to tackle social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Ms. Brew mentioned that the current world is dealing with significant issues such as inequality, political unrest, and environmental changes, and urged the graduates to take charge through innovation, bravery, and collaboration.
She also urged them to continue studying and to uphold the University's reputation wherever they go.
The university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, praised the graduates and stated that the event signified the beginning of new duties and possibilities for them.
She pointed out various advancements at the institution focused on enhancing student satisfaction and academic quality. She mentioned that internet services have been improved, Wi-Fi access has been broadened, and the online learning system has been updated.
She also highlighted the continuous development of the Digital Youth Village, which is set to become a national hub for digital skills education upon its completion.
The Deputy Chancellor revealed that the university has entered into 24 research funding agreements in 2025, valued at approximately US$23 million. She mentioned that this highlights the excellence of research taking place at UG and the trust international collaborators have in its initiatives.
Additionally, Professor Amfo discussed the university's enhanced global position, mentioning that it is currently ranked first in the nation, first in West Africa, and fifth in Sub-Saharan Africa, as per theTimes Higher Education Sub-Saharan Rankings. This marks a rise from 17th position the prior year.
She also emphasized the university's new strategic plan, which is set to conclude in 2029. The plan centers around five main areas: student experience, influential research, staff growth, collaborations, and environmentally responsible resource management.
Additionally, she mentioned that the university recently organized the "Tɛkyerɛma Pa Hackathon" in partnership with University College London, where students and researchers developed AI tools to assist individuals with speech disabilities.
The valedictorian, Merri Iddrisu, spoke about her personal path from a village lacking medical services to earning a PhD. She mentioned that although she faced numerous difficulties, such as scarce resources and managing her studies alongside family duties, she remained determined and kept going.
"Our qualifications are more than just papers. They symbolize years of dedication, late nights, and mutual efforts," she stated.
She encouraged her fellow graduates to apply their education to bring about beneficial transformation within their communities and further afield.
The doctoral graduation was one of four events conducted during the July 2025 Convocation at the University of Ghana.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).